Lengthy bans expected after player/spectator altercation on TRL grand final day

Hefty penalties are expected to be handed down after a player and spectator altercation on TRL grand final day.

The Toowoomba Rugby League has condemned the actions of a Gatton Hawks player who lashed out at a spectator after he was sent off the field in the Reserve Grade Grand Final.

Midway through the reserve grade final between Gatton and Wattles, tensions boiled over as a Hawks player lashed out at an opposing fan in the crowd.

Paul Iopu was sent off in the match, before a couple of Wattles spectators became vocal and gestured towards him.

The altercation soon became physical, forcing security to descend on the area.

TRL acting chairman Joe Hannant said the incident was a blight on a big day of football.

“We’re taking it very seriously. It’s something that we don’t condone at all,” Hannant said.

“Despite everything you do, we had security, police and duty officials, some things can just get out of control. It was quelled pretty quickly and he was ejected from the ground.

“The TRL is in the process of reviewing CCTV footage as well as video footage on the day, and getting statements from all parties involved as well as various football officials that witnessed the events unfold.

“There will be a hearing with both clubs involved to put their case forward. There will be citings.”

“At this juncture it’s too soon to tell, but there’s certainly enough of a precedent that has been set in the sport itself and other sports,” Hannant said.

Tensions boil over in the reserve grade grand final at Toowoomba Sports Ground. Picture: Nev Madsen

“What the player did was disgraceful and uncalled for. I would expect his suspension to be pretty lengthy.

“The spectators could find themselves with some lengthy expulsions from venues or rugby league itself.

“There will be a disciplinary tribunal to review all of the footage and listen to the evidence to get both sides of the story.”

Tensions boil over in the TRL reserve grade grand final. Picture: Nev Madsen

Police issued the player an on-the-spot fine for public nuisance and gave a direction to move on.

Hannant said it was an unfortunate incident for the league’s showpiece day, with a big crowd in attendance to cheer on their team.

“Overall the day was fantastic and was probably the biggest crowd we’ve seen at a grand final for a few years now,” he said.

Tensions boil over in the TRL reserve grade grand final. Picture: Nev Madsen

“A couple of new sides in the A-grade final certainly added that extra interest. To have country clubs involved in the other grades was something that added to the day.

“The women’s game was great and the skill levle shown was great.

“It was a deliberate decision to have it during Carnival (of Flowers) week. Despite a few issues with parking, I believe it added to our event and hopefully it added to the carnival.”

It’s estimated more than 3000 were in attendance throughout the day.